Shhs junior parent_night_2012 final revisions
- 1. Navigating the College Search & Application Process Ms. Jessica Austin Ms. Karen Esempio Ms. Sara Vatore
- 2. Welcome Juniors and Families Outline College Search Application Process Recommendations College Essay College Admissions Testing Additional Information
- 3. What are colleges looking for? Minimum College Requirements 4 units of English 4 units of Math Alg I & II, Geometry 3 units of Science (2 lab sciences) 2 units of Social Science 2 units of Foreign Language 2 college preparatory electives State colleges - 3.0 GPA or sliding scale for SAT
- 4. Investigating Schools Online Research collegeboard.com college web sites College Literature Visit Campus Attend College Fairs College Rep Visits at SHHS Ask Questions Alumni, Friends & Family, Guidance and College Admissions Offices
- 5. What to Consider Compatibility with Admissions Requirements Programs & Majors Student/Teacher Ratios Cost of Attendance Location Campus Culture Placement After Graduation
- 6. Refining your College List Average of 6-8 schools Reach (Long shot) Realistic (Even chance) Safety (Highly Likely) Include at least one financial safety school (state schools)
- 8. Types of Applications Most Schools Prefer Online Applications Common Application Accepted by 456 schools (2.5 Million Submitted) www.commonapp.org Institution Specific Application Unique to that school Community College Applications can be downloaded from the college web site
- 9. Early Applications Early Decision Early Action Binding Not binding Cannot apply early to Can apply early to other other colleges colleges Can apply to other Can apply to other colleges under regular colleges under regular admissions admissions Make appointment with Make appointment with counselor in September! counselor in September!
- 10. Letters of Recommendation Ask early End of this school year Ask teachers who you know well (Junior Year) Two Teacher Recommendations 1 English/Social Studies 1 Math/Science One Guidance recommendation Waiving right to see letters Send thank you notes! (Please!!!)
- 11. College Essay Colleges see you as individual Research essay questions over summer Early decision or early action applicants start writing this summer! Revise essay with Writing Center, teachers, guidance counselors, etc.
- 12. Interviews Not all schools require interviews Show school who you are Explain inconsistencies in transcript Prepare before going to interview Ask questions Is school good fit for you?
- 13. Standardized Testing Most Four Year Schools Require Used for: Admissions Evens the “Playing Field” Merit Scholarships Placement Test (Math Especially) Test Optional Schools www.fairtest.org May need to submit for special majors or if you do not meet minimum admissions requirements
- 14. SAT vs. ACT SAT Registration ACT Registration www.collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org Online registration Online registration Fee waivers for qualified Fee waivers for qualified students students Focuses on critical More content driven than thinking skills analytical/critical thinking Penalized for wrong Science section answers Register for Writing portion
- 15. More to know… Testing You may need to take SAT Subject Tests Selective colleges may require subject tests You must check the college admissions office web sites to know! ACT Some colleges will accept the ACT in lieu of subject tests Must take ACT writing portion! From http://www.collegeboard.com
- 16. Score Reporting At Time of Test Administration Four Free Reports Must know where you want to send them You do not get to review first Later from Test Company Web Site College board (SAT) or ACT Can select specific test date Pay for all reports Must allow several weeks for delivery From http://www.collegeboard.com
- 17. SAT & SAT Dates & Deadlines Test Date Test Regular Registration Deadline May 5 SAT & Subject April 6 June 2 SAT & Subject May 8 June 9* ACT & Writing May 4 *SHHS From http://www.collegeboard.com
- 18. Test Prep START STUDYING NOW! Read a lot and take challenging classes Collegeboard.com question of day or ACT.org practice section Practice problems Prep Courses Study guides (at local bookstores or in guidance office) PSAT My College Quickstart Individualized Study Plan Full Practice Tests
- 19. Other Testing AP Exams Opportunity to get college credit MCAS John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Koplik Scholarship
- 20. Financial Aid Merit Aid vs. Need Based Aid Forms: FAFSA CSS Profile School Specific Financial Aid Form Net Price Calculator
- 21. Scholarship Information Mr. Ciciretti is SHHS Scholarship Chair Local scholarships posted in January of Sr. Year Scholarships posted on Tiger Times www.fastweb.com scholarship database
- 22. Additional Information Financial Aid Night November/December Help from Community Partners (MEFA, Valley Opportunity Council) Student athletes (NCAA.org) Special Education
- 23. Parent Support Make an appointment to meet with your student’s guidance counselor Accompany your student on campus visits Help refine college list (realistic) Be ready to do your taxes early next year Be honest about what you can or are willing to contribute financially
- 24. Parent Support Create a master calendar for visits, tours, fairs, deadlines, and financial aid Have a weekly meeting with your student to check in about progress/status Be engaged in the process and emotionally supportive
- 25. Thank you! Sara Vatore South Hadley Last names A – G [email protected] School Counselors (413) 538-5063 ext. 1107 Jessica Austin Last names H – M Working for all students! [email protected] (413) 538-5063 ext. 1108 Karen Esempio Last names N – Z [email protected] (413) 538-5063 ext. 1103
- 26. QUESTIONS?